Sharing insights about life as year comes to an end (Loren Traylor)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama _ "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

As this year comes to a close, I can't help but reflect on the last 12 months and marvel at the changes that occurred in and around me. For most of my life I believed in embracing change and hitting the curve balls that life has a habit of throwing.

After all, life is about the journey and the many great stories along the way. Certainly, this could not have been truer in 2011.

I knew before the first moment of this year that it was going to be an adventure and I was not disappointed. Between two major job changes, a teenager and a teen wannabe in the house and hot flashes making an appearance, this year brought many challenges and stories to last a lifetime.

With those stories came a new understanding of myself and my ability to influence my actions and reactions to outside friends, foes and flux. From long walks by the river with my four-legged best friend to introspective runs in the park with my two-legged best running partner, I found some insight that I would like to share.

1. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and it's usually a friend with a flashlight leading the way. However, sometimes it is an oncoming train. Agility is key to survival!

2. My mom was right: life isn't always fair. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people.

3. Despite No. 2, karma is a powerful thing and always has the last say.

4. Self-serving people serve only themselves... and expect you to serve them as well. See No. 3.

5. Long walks and runs in the woods are a great way to refocus and re-energize your inner Buddha. Just make sure to leave a trail of bread crumbs to find your way back home.

6. True friends will help you bury the body - no questions asked. They may even help you pick the body to bury. So, pick your friends wisely and make sure you are not the body being buried.

7. It's just human nature not to like the new kid for the first six months - ever. Although bringing fresh-baked brownies to the office can shorten this timeline.

8. Always go with your gut - it has a direct line to your brain.

9. Most of the time, we just need to open our ears and shut our mouths. Amazing things can be learned when you listen to what is being said.

10. One great kid is great, two great kids are trouble! Never trust a teenager... not ever. And the first clue that something is wrong is coming home to a clean house.

11. You can't write about everything so pick your stories as wisely as you pick your friends. Nobody really wants to read about how lucky and perfect your life is nor do they want to hear you whine. They watch movies for that.

Don't get me wrong; 2011 was a great year. In fact, every year that I am on the right side of the dirt is. Nevertheless, like the rest of our community and country, I am struggling with the direction we are heading and hoping that 2012 will be a brighter year for us all. I don't think a particular political party will be my (our) salvation nor do I believe they are the cause of all of my (our) woes.

Thus, we must find solutions within ourselves and do what is right for the greater good of all. That is what I am teaching my children to believe and it is that principle that will continue to guide my decisions going forward.

I want to be a part of that small, thoughtful group that makes a difference and I challenge everyone who has enjoyed reading my columns this year to be a part as well.

While this is my last column for The Huntsville Times, you can continue to follow the Traylors and our "you can't make this stuff up" adventures on my blog at lorentraylor.blogspot.com./